Nigeria midfielder John Ogu has called on his team to boycott upcoming matches in protest at the country’s government. Ogu, who has 26 caps, said a boycott would “make a statement”.
On Tuesday Manchester United forward Odion Ighalo called his country’s government “a shame to the world”. There have been weeks of protests in Nigeria with mostly young people demanding the disbandment of a notorious police unit, the Special Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS).
Nigeria’s army has denied killing demonstrators and President Muhammadu Buhari has urged protesters to stop demonstrating and engage with the government.
Rights group Amnesty International said security forces killed at least 12 people in Lagos on Tuesday. Nigeria have Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers in November and Ogus said that even if the country lost its place in the tournament “it would be a price worth paying”. “What is the point in representing the country if this is what the politician